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Philosopher John Ruskin once said: 'There is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.'

This optimistic view by the eminent 19th century thinker is not surprising when considering his home was in the Lake District - one of the rainiest parts of the country.

Yet despite its inclement climate, there are few places in the world which rival the beauty of the Cumbrian Lakes nor of the panoramic shores of Coniston Water where Ruskin had his home.

Philosopher John Ruskin had his home at Coniston Water in the beautiful Lake District

A keen walker and lover of the outdoors, I enjoyed a dog-friendly mini-break in a cottage nestled in the foothills of the majestic 2,634-foot high mountain, the Old Man of Coniston, to enjoy all the best that this special part of Britain has to offer.

My base was Dixon Ground Farm, a picturesque whitewashed cottage dating back to 1762 with panoramic views of Coniston and the hills beyond.

Part of the Coppermines holiday rental group, it is also conveniently located at the start of six mile circular route to climb the Old Man, which is what I decided to do on my first day.

Coniston is a beautiful, serene, lake and the third largest in the Lake District at five miles long

With my husband Adrian and cocker spaniel dog Bess in tow, we set off to conquer this impressive fell.

The hike begins in the Coppermines Valley and follows the fast-flowing waters of Church Beck before reaching the beautiful Low Water tarn. Its almost-ethereal blue water (tinted so by the copper) makes it one of the Lakelands greatest settings.

Here was a perfect spot for a picnic lunch before carrying on with the very steep climb to the top.

A six-mile circular route was the perfect way to enjoy the views form the top of the Old Man of Coniston, with energetic pup Bess in tow

The rocky trail is a difficult one and at times I was reduced to scrambling on my hands and knees (much to Bess's amusement) but the breathtaking view from the top made all my efforts worth it.

There are few things in life which bring the same sense of achievement as climbing a mountain and as I stood there on the summit absorbing the 360degree vistas of awe-inspiring beauty, there was a real sense of other-worldliness and accomplishment.

The views continue as the descent does not begin until you have traversed a ridge before heading back down into the valley.

Feeling exhausted but exhilarated from the day's efforts, I head for dinner at the nearby Wilson's Arms in the village of Torver, where I enjoyed a hearty meal of homemade fish pie followed by sticky toffee pudding.

From Coniston village you can catch a renovated Victorian steam yacht gondola across the lake

Even Bess was allowed on board the boat, meaning Rebecca and her dog could explore other parts of the lake

The following day my limbs are aching so I decide on a more gentle walk, so drive for 40 minutes to the village of Buttermere to complete the five mile circuit of its lake.

The journey to Buttermere passes through the village of Grasmere, home to Dove Cottage, the former residence of William Wordsworth where he wrote his finest poems, and which is now a museum to visit.

In my opinion, Buttermere is one of the most beautiful places in the world and the walk around its shores, with its backdrop of high fells and woods, a pure delight.

Dixon Ground Farm is a picturesque whitewashed cottage dating back to 1762 and panoramic Coniston views

The interiors are homely and make for the perfect retreat after a long day out walking the Lakes

Dinner is a BBQ on the terrace of my cottage of steak and sausages bought from the local butcher - the perfect place to watch the sunset over the rolling green hills and mountains beyond.

The next day I walk through Coniston village to the lake's pier to board a renovated Victorian steam yacht gondola, which like everywhere I have been so far, is dog friendly meaning little Bess could join us on board.

The peaceful boat journey across the lake, which inspired Arthur Ransome to write Swallows and Amazons, offers views of children's author Beatrix Potter's former home The Monk Coniston estate, which she gave to the National Trust on her death and includes the famous beauty-spot, Tarn Hows.

The launcher stops at the former home of Ruskin, who was one of the greatest social thinkers of all time. The Grade II listed house is now a museum to him and is full of many of his fine paintings. 

It is also surrounded by 30 acres of delightful mountainside landscaped gardens, including the Professor's Garden, where Ruskin, for the 28 years he lived there, grew native fruits and flowers, a fern garden and a medieval herb garden. The gardens are part of Brantwood's 250-acre estate, a semi-natural woodlands complete with a stunning range of flora and fauna - and a must for anyone visiting the Lakes.

Within Brantwood's grounds is the Jumping Jenny restaurant, where I enjoyed a delicious lunch of freshly made quiche and salad, washed down with elderflower cordial.

For my fourth and final day I embark on a scenic 9 mile walk around the shores and the fells beyond Coniston Water, the third largest lake after Windermere and Ullswater.

The lake is the site of where Donald Campbell broke the water speed record in 1955, but died while attempted to regain it again 12 years later on Bluebird, which was only raised from the bed of the lake in 2001, along with Campbell's body.

The Old Man of Coniston offers spectacular views out across Low Water (in good weather)

The route follows the water's edge before climbing through woodland and up the rugged base of Coniston Fells.

After five hours of walking, I head to the Crown Inn, which is a short walk from my cottage, for a slap-up dinner of beer battered fish and chips.

At 885 square miles, the Lakes is the largest national park in Britain, attracting around 15million visitors each year.

Yet, as I experienced when out exploring the lush green countryside and calming lake shores, it is still possible to experience the 'bliss of solitude' Wordsworth wrote about. I cannot wait to return.